Can I Get My DUI Expunged? Will it be on my record forever?

Yes, you can generally can get your DUI expunged and no, it will not be on your record forever.

It is usually possible to get your DUI records expunged in the state of California. Expungement means that your criminal record for that specific conviction will be sealed. A DUI conviction results in both a criminal and a DMV record; while the conviction is erased from your driving record after ten years, the criminal conviction remains on your criminal record unless it is expunged. Working with an Orange County DUI attorney who specializes in DUI and DUI-related convictions will help simplify this process.

Am I Eligible for Expungement?

Under the following circumstances, a person who has received a DUI or related conviction, such as a wet reckless charge, may be able to have their records expunged:

You were placed on probation

You completed probation

As you reach the end of your probationary period, you will want to contact a local DUI defense attorney to begin expungement proceedings.

Reasons for Getting a DUI Expunged

A criminal record can have numerous ill effects on your overall quality of life:

Most potential landlords will run background checks, meaning that they will be able to see your DUI conviction. Additionally, you will likely be required to disclose your DUI conviction. While you will not necessarily be prevented from renting a property due to your conviction, the choice is really up to your future landlord.If your record is expunged, you will no longer be required to disclose your conviction on rental applications and most landlords will be unable to see your expunged DUI charge.

The majority of employers will also run such criminal background checks and require such disclosure. Because your ability to drive often relates to your ability to either perform at or travel to and from your job, a DUI conviction can severely decrease your chances of being hired.If your record is expunged, you will no longer need to disclose your conviction on job applications. Furthermore, most employers will be unable to see your expunged DUI charge.

Your current employer may choose to terminate your employment, especially if you work in a state agency, have a professional state license or certification, or if your job requires driving (taxi cab driver, chauffeur, delivery person, etc.).

You may have other state licenses revoked or suspended, including your teaching credentials, law license, or medical license.

How to Get Your DUI Expunged

Complete your probation. Generally, to complete your probation, you will be required to pay a fee, have your license suspended, and take part in an alcohol education program. You may additionally be required to have an ignition interlock device installed.

Contact an Orange County DUI defense attorney. The more experience your attorney has working with DUI-related incidents, the more likely it is that you will be able to have the incident expunged from your criminal record. While some people choose to complete this process themselves, it can often be long, arduous, and complicated. If you truly want your DUI expunged, you will want to work with an experienced O.C. DUI lawyer.

It’s important to understand that an expungement does not clear your DMV/driving record (it will be automatically removed from your DMV record in 10 years), nor will it prevent repeat offenses. However, once your criminal record is expunged, you will be able to honestly say that you have never received a criminal conviction. This process is necessary to ameliorate the long-term negative effects of a DUI charge. Contact Chad Maddox today for legal representation.